Chapter 37

The scream bounced around the chamber as Hermione sat bolt upright in bed panting, her heart in her throat as she realised she had awoken herself from a nightmare of her making. The chair beside her dropped to its side as Severus's silhouette jumped out of it and rushed over to the bed, his hands grasping her shoulders.

"Hermione?"

She took a couple of deep breaths before answering him, "I'm fine, Severus...I just had a bad dream." She replied dryly. Yet even though she knew it was a dream she couldn't stop the adrenaline in her system from causing her to shake slightly. Climbing onto the bed, Severus grabbed her by the waist and pulled her against him. With her back to his chest she felt his nose against her throat making her lean her head back against his shoulder.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

His silky drawl caused goosebumps to cover her shoulders as she let out a sigh, "no... I don't even remember what I was dreaming about now."

"Sometimes you can be such a terrible liar." He rubbed his lips down the side of the throat, leaving light kisses, "talk."

"I dreamed of you."

"I'm sure many people would wake up screaming if they were dreaming of such a thing-"

"-You died..." She whispered, her throat still dry as she tried to get the words out. "...First it was Voldemort that stood in front of you but then his face changed...His face changed to Harry's and then... Harry killed you."

She felt his lips paused on the crook between her neck and shoulder for a second before he let out a sigh. He turned her slightly in his arms so he could see her face and with a wave of his hand lit the candles on the wall beside them.

"It's an understandable dream after what you've experienced lately. Don't think too much into it, it's just your brain's way of figuring out everything."

"My brain figuring out that Harry's going to kill you is a bit difficult not to think about!"

"Potter is not going to kill me, Hermione."

"Logically I know that... it's just difficult, the way he looked at you...I've never seen him look like that before... God knows what he's going to tell Ron."

"Trust me, I've seen that look many a time on Potter's face...Did you want me to bring Weasley down to see you, so you could explain in person?"

"If he hasn't already tried to bash your door in I'm pretty sure that he has nothing to say to me."

"Or Potter hasn't told him. It's probably too raw to talk to anyone about it just yet, even to his moronic side kick."

She glared at him and he gave her a small smile in response, "apologies, it's almost like a automatic response to mock them..."

Turning around completely on his lap she straddled him and put her head on his chest, as his hand came around her once again. "I don't want to talk about this anymore...It's too upsetting at the moment."

"Of course," She could feel his lips on the top of her head and She couldn't stop the small sigh of contentment slipping from her mouth as her body completely relaxed into his arms. From all the abuse, she had put her body though this year she found it difficult to feel fully comfortable at any time, yet this is the closest that she had come. Closing her eyes, she listened to his breathing and felt his chest moving in and out, finding it so calming that she was not quite sure when her shaking had finally ended. Dragging her hands down his side she let them fall to his hips before untucking his shirt from his trousers and placing her hands on the warm skin on his sides. The feeling of his skin made her crave more, it had been so long since she had been so close with him that she wanted to savour each touch, running her hands down the sides of his ribs as she felt as well as heard his sharp intake of breath.

He didn't move as she began to undo the buttons on his shirt, but she could feel his eyes on her. Opening up the shirt she placed her hands on his chest, feeling the strong muscles under her hands constrict at her touch. She was so focused on his chest that she didn't realise that he had discarded the shirt all together until his strong bare arms brought her closer to him as he kissed her. She felt his hands go to her night gown, brushing along her outer thighs before pulling it up and over her head; only braking their kiss for the slightest moment.

Crushing her breasts against his chest she let out a moan at the feeling of their contact, her hands in his hair as she pulled him closer to her. Yet it wasn't enough, she needed more; growling in frustration she moved her hands back down his chest and then further down to his trousers. Undoing the belt and zip at the quickest speed she could complete she slid her hand in and grabbed hold of him, causing Severus to hiss as he threw his head against the headboard.

"Fuck."

It was very rare for Hermione to ever have this man in a weakened position and right now he was completely at her mercy. Grasping his hardness in her hand she gently started her teasing, enjoying the feel of him in her hands. she shuffled back slightly before replacing her hands with her mouth and silently celebrating at the groans that she was able to force from his lips. Yet as minutes passed and her technique improved and speed increased his groans became louder until suddenly she was picked up and thrown on her back at such a quick speed that she couldn't help the stunned expression that found itself on her face.

"If you continue like that, then this will be over very fucking quickly." Severus growled above her, causing her to squirm slightly in anticipation. His right hand starting at her face whilst he dipped down to kiss her, but very quickly it made its way down her body teasing every sensitive spot as he used his other hand to keep her wrists above her.

His hand came to her right breast, stroking over the side of it gently before dragging it lightly over her nipple. Her whimpers becoming louder as he brought his mouth down on her breast, focusing his tongue on her nipple before nipping it lightly with his teeth.

"Severus..." She moaned, trying her best to wiggle her wrists out of his hand, yet he ignored her, instead attending to her other breast whilst his right hand moved further down and into her underwear. Her moans got louder and more desperate as his motions on her clit increased slightly, yet keeping the touch light as to make sure to keep her from going over too soon.

"Please, Severus..."

He smirked as she begged for him to allow her to climax yet instead he stopped all together, causing her to growl loudly in frustration as her eyes previously rolled back in pleasure now glaring daggers into him. Yet before she could shout at him he moved further down, using one arm to hold down her lower stomach before placing his mouth on her core. The feel of his tongue on her caused Hermione to gasp in surprise, thankful that Severus had expected this with his arm holding her down. It took mere minutes for her to be shaking in pleasure as his experienced tongue and fingers made quick work of bringing her back to the brink, before taking her completely over it. Grabbing hold of his hair she rode his head through her climax, gasping his name over and over again until her whole body went limp in his arms.

He climbed back up her body, making sure to keep as much skin contact as possible, knowing that her whole body was still incredibly sensitive. Positioning himself between her legs he looked down at her, lightly kissing her lips as she slowly came down from her high. He pushed himself into her quick and deep before she was completely recovered forcing another gasp of pleasure out of her lips.

"What are you thinking about now, my little lioness?" He whispered in her ear, nibbling on her lobe as he pumped into her hard and fast, causing her to wrap her legs around his hips tightly.

"I can't... I can't think..." She stuttered back, the warm tight feeling in her stomach starting to increase again as his motions continued without mercy. She arched her back to get even more friction as his arms wrapped around her whilst his mouth dropped to her breasts once again.

"Good." He growled, his hand slipping down once more between them and with the lightest of touches made her come undone once again; biting into his shoulder as he prolonged her climax by pounding out his own release. He held her for a moment, his head on her shoulder as they both took a moment for their bodies to relax slightly.

"Severus?"

He mumbled his acknowledgement into her shoulder with a slight grunt, yet made no attempt to move.

"Can you promise me something?"

"...You're meant to ask for things before sex, not after." He chuckled into her shoulder, nibbling slightly at her collar bone.

She sighed, knowing he was not going to enjoy this conversation"...Don't put me ahead of this war."

His head shot up from her shoulder and glared at her, "what are you talking about?"

She felt herself inhale as she tried to gain the courage to say what she needed to say, "I'm saying that with all the madness that has happened we haven't really talked about what you said the night I came to you on the potion...when you said that you would destroy anyone to keep me safe. I know I may be asking a lot of you to do this, but if there comes a time when you have to choose between keeping me safe or protecting our chances in this war...I need you to choose the latter."

He stayed silent as he slowly unwrapped himself from her body, leaving her feeling cold and slightly desolate. Getting off the bed he pulled up his trousers, focusing on doing up his belt rather than look at her. "You can't ask that of me."

"I can because I'm not just discussing my fate, by the fate of my whole kind...off muggles and muggle born's alike..."

"You can discuss whatever you like, sweetness, I will not be held to such a promise." He drawled, yet his tone was slightly cold reminding her of when he used to lecture her in potions. "There will not be a situation so massive that it would topple the war which would involve your life. I will make sure of it."

"And how could you make sure of such a thing?"

"By killing anything that would be a possible threat of your life."

"That's what I'm saying! By saving my life it could destroy your place by Voldemort's side."

He grimaced slightly as she dropped his name so causally yet he didn't remark on it. "It's a bit late to be discussing this now, don't you think?" He growled.

"It's not too late. Nothing's happened yet...nothing may happen at all, I just don't want to be the reason that you're found out or worse...killed because of me."

"It is too late. I love you. Nothing will ever come before that, neither the Dark Lord nor Dumbledore."

Hermione was silent as she digested what he had just said. They both knew each other's feelings, yet this was the first time he had said it in full to her.

"If you are so desperate for me to keep my position in this war as a priority then you need to make sure your safety is at the top of yours. No more midnight sneak outs or trying to save the world on your own. You do nothing out of the ordinary...nothing that could put you at the slightest risk."

"I will try but-"

"-No, you will not try, you will do. You bloody stubborn, beautiful Witch. Because know this, if you are in danger I will choose you every time. Consequences be damned. So, if you want to keep my position secure, keep yourself safe. Understood?"

She hung her head in defeat, letting out a deep sigh. "Fine."

"Excellent. Feel better now?"

"No."

"I thought as much."

She watched as he continued to get dressed, the guilt she felt for landing him in such a difficult situation was almost overwhelming, yet she couldn't help the selfish part of her that was happy with his words.

If you are in danger I will choose you every time...

"I love you too."

His hands stilled for a moment on his buttons as he let her words sink in, before turning back to her. "I didn't say that because I want you to say it back."

"I am not a parrot Severus... and I would not say such a thing easily, trust me." She sighed, jumping of the bed before walking over to him and placing her small hand on his chest. "I am a difficult woman to deal with at times and believe me when I say I know it is frustrating to be in love with someone who seems to always be constant danger...we both need to survive this Severus. Both. Otherwise we would of failed each other... now, is that understood?"

He bent down and lightly brushed his lips against hers, the faint whisper of a smile on his face, "understood."

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The laughter bellowed down the hallway as Harry grabbed hold of Ron's arm, dragging him closer to the door in front of him.

"Will you shut up?" Harry snapped.

Ron waved his hand dismissively at Harry as he continued his laughing fit, his eyes watering as he found it almost too much to breath regularly. He pulled his arm out of Harry's grasp as they reached the door, bending over as he continued to laugh. Harry raised his fist to the door yet before he could attempt to knock the door swung open revealing an irritated looking elderly witch.

"What are you doing out at this time of night, Mr Potter? Do you even know what the time is?" She bristled, her eyes moving between him and Ron as she glared at them both in turn.

"It's an emergency, Professor! Please, we need to talk to you." Harry Pleaded as Ron's laughter started to die down. He stood up straight and wiped the tears from his eyes as he tried to calm down at Professor McGonagall's questioning glare. She let out a irritated sigh as she ushered them in and closed the door behind them.

Harry walked only as far as the closest chair before turning around and facing his head of house, the look of desperation clearly shown on his face. "Professor, something is really really wrong with Hermione...she's...she's..."

"Spit it out! It is two O'clock in the morning and I am very tempted to take points off my own -"

"-Hermione is in a relationship with Snape!" He shouted, "And Dumbledore is just allowing it! We need to do something, we need to speak to somebody!"

As he finished his high-pitched plea Ron started a new wave of hysterical laughter, leaning on wall next to him as he tried to compose himself.

"I told him professor...I told him it was stupid...that Dumbledore was obviously pulling his leg..." Ron wheezed between his laugh, waving his hand at Harry again, "mate, how could you fall for that?"

"I didn't fall for anything! It's true you idiot!" Harry bellowed, "Professor you have to believe me!"

Professor McGonagall's face fell at his words, her eyes darting between the two boys as she assessed the situation in front of her. "Sit down." She said quietly, indicating at the two armchairs facing the coffee table. Ron obliged without question, sauntering over to the closest chair and dropping down into it as he tried to recover his breathing; yet Harry stayed standing where he was as he gaped at his teacher in front of him.

"Oh God...You knew." He whispered.

"Sit down Mr. Potter." She repeated again, a little more firmly. "If you want to talk, you must first sit."

Harry sat reluctantly at her command, his eyes completely focused on her, "Please tell me you didn't know." He uttered, the pain on his face clear to see. Ron suddenly silent as he too looked at the elderly Professor expectantly, a bemused expression still plastered on his face as he waited for her to confirm the hoax.

"This situation is a lot more complicated than it looks-"

"-Complicated because it's not true right Professor?" Ron interrupted, his expression changing from smug to confused.

"Miss Granger does have very strong feelings for Professor Snape..." She worded carefully, "and yes, those feelings are reciprocated..."

"That son of a bitch! I'm gonna smash his fucking face in!" Ron growled, jumping up from his chair as he rushed to the door, yet as he went to get past Professor McGonagall he found himself being thrown back into the chair that he had just vacated.

"Ronald Weasley how dare you act that way in my presence!" She snapped, "You will do no such thing!"

"What the hell is going on here? Both you and Dumbledore have lost your bloody minds! Don't you see that something's wrong here? It's Snape!" Harry shouted back, "It's bloody Snape for crying out loud!"

"I know exactly who it is Mr. Potter and trust me when I tell you that I know that man far better than you." She snapped back.

"He's her professor! He's an old man! It would be like me shaking up with you!" Ron roared, "you can't be bloody serious?"

"I can tell you it is completely different. For one the age gap is nowhere near as large, and as I'm sure you are aware that witches and wizards live far longer than muggles and so that is completely irrelevant. Two, Hermione is a mature young woman who can choose quite freely herself. She is under no spell or potion. She has chosen him. I know you are both finding this very difficult to come to terms with but if you want any sort of friendship with Miss Granger you will at least accept her wishes on this matter."

"Are you telling me you have no qualms about them at all?" Harry replied as he threw his arms up in the air in frustration, "Did you just accept this like some sort of normal relationship?"

"Of course not."

Her reply seemed to settle the boys slightly as they realised that their reactions were no completely unusual, "If you keep calm I will explain."

Ron leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest as he glared angrily at his Head of House; whilst Harry merely sat on the edge of his seat, not moving as he too looked at the elderly witch expectantly. Letting out a sigh she silently cursed Albus for causing this chaos, before ordering some tea from the kitchens and taking a seat on her comfy worn armchair.

"When I found out about Miss Granger, I nearly killed both Severus and Albus...Just like you, my reaction was to protect her from him."

"Well, what the bloody hell has changed?"

"Let me ask you boys some questions instead."

Ron and Harry glanced at each other confused as to how the conversation had turned around. "... Like what?" Ron replied.

"Who saved Hermione's parents from the Death Eaters?"

"...Snape..." Ron replied reluctantly.

"Correct. And who counselled Hermione when she was going through the emotional turmoil of killing a Death Eater last summer?"

"Snape." Ron replied again, this time more confident about the answer.

"Well done, Mr Weasley, and who saved Hermione from Bellatrix?"

"Enough!" Harry snapped, "We see what you're getting at. None of that changes anything!"

"The man has been saving your life on a regular basis since you were a baby, Harry. He has continued his role in the Order of the Phoenix and risks his life on a daily basis. His bitter and ugly personality grown through regular sacrifice and pain...not many people see through it all at the decent man underneath, but Miss Granger has and by doing so has fallen in love. If anyone deserves that love, it is that man. He tried his best to distance himself from her when he considered their relationship to be possibly harmful for her...By doing caused Hermione to take drastic actions that you saw with the potion... She does not want to be without him."

"I don't like it." Harry mumbled, his defeated tone giving Minerva hope that she was starting to get through to him.

"No one is asking you to, but to simply be respectful of your friend." she turned to the Ron still gaping at her, "Is that understood, Mr. Weasley?"

"I'm still in a bit of shock to tell you the truth...We don't have to be nice to him, do we?"

She smirked at his change in view, "I doubt he would appreciate that in any situation... "

"Do you think we could squeeze a couple of house points out of him since he's in love with a Gryffindor?" Ron piped up, "He can't hate our house as much now, surely?"

"Really Ron? These are the questions you have? Are you not worried at all over this?" Harry sighed, shaking his head at his best friend.

He shrugged, "As the professor said, she's our friend and this is what she wants. I won't stand in her way. I don't like it just as much as you but I remember her face when she told us she was seeing someone. She looked...in love and happy about it. I'm not going to stand in the middle of that."

Minerva couldn't help but swell slightly with pride at the youngest Weasley wizard explained the situation so calmly and mature that he reminded her of his father.

"She is very lucky to have you Mr Weasley."

"Well...Maybe my potion grade could get a second marking..." Ron piped up. "She must of softened him up slightly! I bet my essay was not as bad as he first said it was."

"If you know what's good for you, Mr Weasley, you would not even attempt it."

He shrugged, "worth a try."

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"Care to explain to me why you believe that Newt legs are an acceptable substitute for Newt tails, Mr Longbottom? Or is it that your reading ability is at such a substandard level that you were unable to read the difference?" Severus's slow drawl caused Neville's breathing to become slightly irregular as he walked slowly towards his desk.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for being... well... you Mr. Longbottom."

Harry's fists clenched as Neville began to stutter his apologies, trying his best to hide the evidence of his failings by scooping the dismantled newt legs and throwing them in the bin beside him.

"There's no point trying to salvage your poor excuse of a potion. You have five minutes left of class and there is no way in hell I going to allow you to explode yet another one of my cauldrons... The best use of your time would be simply to clean up and get out." Severus sighed, the irritation shown clearly on his face as he strolled back to his desk at the front of the class and sat in his chair. His eyes continued to scan the rest of the class as they continued with their potions. It was mere weeks away from their exams yet he found himself wanting to bang his head against the wall at the thought of how many in his class actually grasped his subject at the expected level. With only one exception.

His eyes barely looked up towards her direction, yet it was enough to know that her head was down in it's typically work focused stance. He didn't even need to look at her potion to know that it was perfectly brewed and could help but feel secretly proud of her skill.

Yet he could feel a set of eyes glaring at him, and it didn't take Severus more than a couple of seconds to realise who it was. His green eyes staring daggers at him with a slight hint of a sneer visible on his lips. Smirking, Severus stared down the younger wizard's stare, forcing him to look away.

"Class has now finished. Everyone pack up and place your notes on my desk." The sudden sound of benches scraping along the floor and the rustle of the students rushing to pack up their things broke the silence, yet Severus's eyes did not move off Harry's back as he watched him clear his work station. Each of the seventh years placed their parchment on his desk as commanded, yet he didn't pull his eyes away until the mass of brown curls appeared in the corner of his eye. Slowly he dragged his attention away enough to realise that Hermione had noticed his sudden glaring match with her former best friend.

"Mr Potter. You will wait behind."

Her face showing her obvious concern for the situation, placing her parchment down slowly as her eyes moved between Severus and Harry who was now throwing his bag on his back. Harry sneered at him as he turned towards the door, "Go through that door Mr. Potter and I promise you, you will regret it." He paused, before letting out a deep sigh and leaning back on the closest table, illustrating his acceptance of the command.

Hermione stopped by the door, her face pale as she waited for everyone else to leave. The room emptied quickly leaving the two Gryffindor's.

"Miss Granger you may leave."

"Severus don't-"

"-Leave."

Hermione growled as she stepped further into the classroom and shut the door behind her, "No. Let him go."

Severus sighed, remaining seated as he observed the man in front of him. "Do you know why she is concerned, Mr Potter?"

He didn't reply as he stayed silent, glaring at him. "I think she's concerned that I am going to wipe your memory... Or that I may harm you in some way...Seeing as you do deserve it you can't blame her assumption..."

"You can try." Harry scoffed, his wand grasped tightly in his hand yet he made no attempt to move from the desk he was currently leaning on.

"Oh, I would succeed if that was my objective." Severus responded before turning back to Hermione at the door. "But it is not. So, you may leave, Hermione."

She still didn't move and he let out a sigh, "You have my word." He responded softly enough to break her out of her overprotective trance, she gave Harry one last glace yet he didn't move his attention off of Severus. He waited patiently until she had closed the door behind her and gave it a moment before locking and silencing the door with a wave of his hand and a couple of mumbled words.

"You can put your wand down, Mr Potter. I was telling the truth when I said I would not harm you."

"I didn't make such a promise." Harry growled back. pushing himself off of the desk and storming towards him, "You son of a bitch. Who the fuck do you think you commanding me to stay behind. You should be staying out of my way."

"Why?"

"Are you kidding me? You're fucking my best friend! Just because you have Dumbledore and McGonagall under your thumb doesn't mean that I have to sit here and be happy about it."

"Minerva did tell me about your little venture out to her Chambers...Don't you think that instead of fighting over something that clearly is none of your business you should be focusing on the fact that recently Draco explained to you that your little...army was completely unprepared for the upcoming war?"

"Well he was planning to help me with that issue, funny enough though he ran away with his dad before he could make good with that deal...And Hermione is completely my business."

"Draco is caught up in something that neither one of us can get him out of at this moment in time..." Severus sneered, "and I can tell you something Draco does not do and that is run." He opened up the drawer in his desk and pulled out a book, throwing it on the floor inches away from Harry's feet. Picking it up Harry turned the book over in his hands; its dark red cover completely blank and so opening it up to investigate further he found it completely the same on the inside, the contents consisting of simple yellow tinged pages of nothing.

"An empty book?"

"Tap your wand and the left corner of the book." Severus sighed impatiently.

Harry complied and watched as the book filled with text. "The book consists of curses and spells that I believe that you and your friends would need to at least give you some sort of chance against the Death Eaters. I highly suggest you give it a good read...Both me and Draco have highlighted the spells that are favourites among the group...and possible counter attacks. Some of them are not pretty but they will give you the best chance."

Harry stared at the book for a moment in shock, noting Severus scrawled comments on a couple of the spells that he saw on that particular page, before snapping the book shut and slamming it down on the desk closest to him.

"Trying to get me on side, Snape? It won't work."

"I think I've made it pretty clear that I do not like you Potter. I have no urge to be your friend. However as much as I loathe your arrogant, ego boasted, moronic arse I do not want to see you dead... mostly for Hermione's sake. I also do not wish it on your friends...Although I am quite sure they will not want to take defence classes off of me they still need to be prepared. Take the damn book and use it."

"Fuck you."

"Prefer not to."

"Just my best friend huh?"

"The fact that you are still focused on this is starting to wear on my last nerve. You have heard it from her mouth that she's happy...you have had confirmation from both Dumbledore and Minerva and yet you are still fighting this. Minerva explained that even Weasley has more of a moral understanding that although he may not be happy about her choice that he will respect it... How can you call her a friend when you can so causally throw her to one side when she does not do what you want?"

"I haven't! I'm fighting for her!"

"You're fighting against her, you fool."

"You don't love her like I do."

"No, I don't. I love her more. I want her to be happy. Unfortunately, that includes having you in her life, so get off your damn high horse and apologise to her before I regret making that promise not to obliterate your memory."

"How can she love you? Look how you treat her friends...Like shit...Even Neville. He is her friend too you know." He whispered, the disgust and hatred plainly shown on his face.

Severus sighed, he didn't have the patience to explain his tactics to the meat head in front of him. Yet he knew if he did maybe it would pacify the young man in front of him enough to make up with Hermione. "I do know he is a very close friend of hers. That is why I am not coddling him. Do you think that the Death Eaters will? Do you believe that Bellatrix will give him time to stutter his defence charm to protect himself? You guys need to realised that very soon it will not be the teachers on your back demanding homework assignments but dark spells and the Unforgiveables demanding your lives. The time of games and tricks are over, Potter. So grow the fuck up. Tell everyone you love to do the same, and prepare yourselves for a fucking nasty fight."

Grabbing the book, Harry turned and stormed out leaving Severus to relax back into his chair with a sigh. The boy was going to be difficult, but in all honesty, he didn't care. He had always been difficult. However, the difference was that his selfish acts now had effected the woman he loved, and that had to change.

There was a flutter of wings as Severus glanced up as an swooped down through the door and landed gracefully on his desk. Dutifully holding out it's leg to Severus, it waited patiently as he untied the parchment from his leg before pecking lightly at the scattered paper work.

"Merlin, this woman is as frightening as her sister..." He muttered as glanced over Narcissa's demanding note, before igniting it, watching the ashes pile beside him.

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Throwing a disillusionment charm around him, Severus made his way up the path to the bungalow but paused as he heard the raised voices inside.

"Damn you woman let me go!"

"You're as stubborn as you're bloody father!"

Letting out a sigh Severus opened the door, to find Narcissa, arm crossed in front of the chair that she had tied her only child to.

"I don't remember reading anywhere in your letter to me that you were going to tie your son to the chair, Narcissa..."

"Then you need to learn to read between the lines better, Severus. I did not request the location of my son simply so I could come here to say hello and give him some baked goods."

"Baked goods would have been a better choice, mum." Draco snapped from the chair, "Severus get me the hell out of this bloody chair!"

Severus released his bonds with a small wave as he turned back to Narcissa, "what's going on? I sent you his location coordinates so you could have a happy reunion as this is how I find you. Berating the boy and strapping him to the chair."

"He won't leave!"

"I also didn't give you his location as an indication that you were to whisk him away."

"-Not that he didn't try himself mother." Draco interrupted, "But just like him, you will respect my choice to stay."

"I will not allow my son to be a pawn in this disgusting game of war anymore. I am taking him away, and you can't stop me Severus." She pointed her wand at him, "You are the closest thing to what is considered a friend, but do not think for one moment that I won't do what is necessary to save him."

Severus raised his hands, leaving his wand in his pocket as he eyed the woman in front of him carefully. She was normally pretty predictable in her movements and if Severus had to guess the first spell she would throw at him would be a simple bounding, yet she was anything but predictable at that moment in time.

"Mum, put your bloody wand down." Draco sighed, "He's not the one stopping me leaving."

She ignored him, her eyes still glaring up at Severus, "Promise that you won't stop me."

"I am not holding Draco here. Do you not think I would prefer for you to take him away from this mess, Cissa?"

Draco stormed forward and pushed Severus back before stepping in front of his mother's wand, "Mum. Look at me."

Narcissa's eyes were still slightly crazed as they turned to the young man in front of her, dropping her wand quickly from its position at his chest.

"We can't run. There's nowhere to run to."

"Don't be silly, Draco!" She laughed lightly, walking forward and rubbing his right arm affectionately, "I have been transferring money into another account for years. I have an extensive amount of properties all over the wizarding and muggle world under different names. We can run anywhere you like!"

"Mum if Voldemort wins, it won't matter where we go...He will eventually find us. Our best bet is to try and make a difference and end this. I can't live the rest of my life hiding and running...I am not asking you to go back to them, you can go into hiding just don't ask me to."

Her arm dropped back to her side as the smile on her face disappeared, "I am your mother, I am not asking you anything Draco Lucius Malfoy. I am tellingyou."

"No mum. Not anymore. If you force me to leave I can guarantee that you will regret it."

"Don't threaten me!" she growled, "remember who you're talking to."

"It's not a threat, it's a prediction. If this war is lost to that nasty son of a bitch residing in our house...We are as good as dead, mum... Neither one of us is loyal and it won't take long after they win for them to recognise that. I need to help stop that from happening and all I am asking is that you don't try and stop me...I want you to go to one of those houses you bought for us and stay safe until this is all over. I'm fighting this for the both of us."

Severus held his breath as he watched the woman in front of Draco silently think over what was just explained to her. Her eyes baring down on Draco as she let out a snort, "This has got disgustingly complicated."

The atmosphere around them seemed to relax as she put her wand back in robes before letting out a sigh, "Fine. But I want to be made aware if you are moved again...preferably back to Hogwarts."

Her attention went back to Severus, "That means you have to do your job as Godfather and keep him safe."

"I'm quite safe-"

She held a hand up at Draco's response, waiting for him to close his mouth before she replied. "You are not safe. To assume you are would make you extremely foolish...How many more of these nasty little potions are you supposed to create?"

"I think the last batch comes in a couple of days' time, then father says I can come home."

"I don't want you back home...it's not safe there either, your moron of a father knows this so either he is lying or he expects you to spend your waking hours surrounded by vile beasts and torturers...no. That won't do. I will talk with him."

Severus watched as the woman deep in thought walked over to the chair that she had recently tied Draco to and sat down. She seemed a lot calmer now that she had finally listened to Draco, yet he wasn't stupid enough to think that she wouldn't go back on her silent agreement not to take Draco away."

"Cissa, the information you said you had. Can you tell me about it?"

"Ah...the information."

Her amused tone was enough for Severus to assume that he had been duped, "You lied to get to Draco."

"Can you blame me, Severus. He's my son. I would say whatever you want to hear to get to him..." Severus gritted his teeth at her flippant comment, yet he had reasoned this would be a possibility when he has sent her the location.

"...I do not have solid information. However, I do have a conversation between the Dark Lord and Yaxley, in reference to a replenishment situation. The ingredients that Ginevra Weasley gave them was not enough, apparently, they still need another fourteen samples. I'm not sure if you were able to find out much from the girl before you gave her over to the Ministry... she may be the key to finding out exactly what those samples were."

He had no idea what the conversation was in reference to, yet what she assumed was insignificant nattering's were more useful than he thought.

"I saw a list...but all that were on it was names...in very, very poor handwriting mind you."

"What names were on it?"

"None that I really recognised. Some of the surnames though seemed familiar... Bones, Doyal, Bexley..."

Severus froze, the names were all familiar to him too. "I need you to concentrate very hard, Cissa. What were their first names?"

She pondered the thought for a moment, her eyes closed as she she tried to remember the names. "Susan Bones, Ethan Baxley and ...Mary Doyal...But I don't recognise them...I remember a Darren Bones, Martha Baxley and James Doyal though, when we were in school. Do you think that the list names were incorrect?"

"No, they are correct." Severus groaned as it all started to make sense, "the reason why you don't recognise the first names on the list is that they are the children of the people you do recognise. They are all students of Hogwarts...I need to go."

"Seems I was a lot more useful than I first thought!" Narcissa chuckled, "Who would of thought?"

Severus ignored her and instead turned to Draco, "You know how to contact me if you need me, but be careful. Keep your head down and do what is necessary to keep yourself out of trouble, understand?"

"What's going on?" Draco replied, grabbing Severus's arm as he opened the door, " Why would the Dark Lord want a list of students?"

"I haven't got time to explain-"

"Severus don't leave me in the dark here!"

Severus let out a impatient sigh, but knew he had to at least give the younger Slytherin a heads up. He needed to be wary of everyone from now on."The list...They are the samples. The potion you're partially making is Polyjuice."

Draco's eyebrows knitted together as he tried to comprehend what had just been explained to him"...but, that makes no sense...why would he..." Severus watched as suddenly Draco got to the same conclusion that he had recently arrived to, his eyes going wide as he gripped Severus's arm tighter. "Oh god. He's going to hide all the death eaters within the school... Has he already started? What if they have already been their for a while?!"

Draco let go of Severus's arm as he stood their stunned, the idea completely over whelming him, "You cant go back, you can't trust anyone! You wont know who's who."

"I have my ways." Severus muttered stepping out of the cottage before breaking into a run to his apparation point, ignoring Draco's shouts from behind him. He had to get back to the castle and warn Dumbledore. He had to get Hermione out and worse of all he had to make sure Potter came with her.